SPRING 2020SPRING 2020HEALTH MATTERSHEALTH MATTERS

Maury Regional Medical Center achieves Magnet® recognition

Protecting your family from COVID-19

Social distancing and staying healthy

MRMG offers telemedicine

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A Message from CEO Alan Watson ....................................2Maury Regional achievesMagnet® recognition ........................................................3COVID-19: How can I protectmyself and my family? ......................................................4Finding the balance betweensocial distancing and staying healthy ...............................5MRMG offers telemedicine visits .......................................6Coronavirus: How tomanage anxiety ................................................................7Patient portal enrollment .................................................7

MAURY REGIONAL HEALTH1224 Trotwood AvenueColumbia, TN 38401

931.381.1111

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Marketing Department.

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To visit our website, scan the QR code below with your mobile phone.

Our nation is facing an unprecedented time with the COVID-19 pandemic. I am immensely grateful for our health care team and applaud their dedication to our patients, community and one another. Th eir tireless eff orts assure that our organization is prepared in the face of this global health crisis. A special section of our website is devoted to COVID-19 information, including guidance about testing, self-monitoring, visitation guidelines, helpful articles and more. For the latest information from our organization, visit COVID.MauryRegional.com and follow Maury Regional Health on Facebook. As this health situation evolves, I want to thank the members of our health care team and the community for the overwhelming support being shown to our organization. We are extremely grateful for your thoughts, prayers and acts of kindness. If you are looking for a way to show your support for our health care team, I encourage you to visit COVID. MauryRegional.com and send a message of encouragement to those providing care to our patients. Th ank you for your continued support. Together, we serve.

Alan WatsonMaury Regional Health CEO

A Message from CEO Alan Watson

HEALTH MATTERS | 3

Maury Regional Medical Center Maury Regional Medical Center achieves Magnetachieves Magnet®® recognition recognition

Magnet® distinction is the highest national credential for nursing excellence that serves as the gold standard for nursing practice. With this credential, MRMC joins the select group of only 509 Magnet®-recognized hospitals in the U.S. and is one of only fi ve Magnet®-designated organizations in the state.“Achieving Magnet® recognition reinforces the culture of excellence that is a cornerstone in how we serve our community,” said Maury Regional Health CEO Alan Watson. “I commend every member of our nursing team on achieving this prestigious designation. Th eir dedication to evidence-based practices and patient care is refl ected in this achievement.”Not only did MRMC receive Magnet® status, but the organization was also recognized for nine exemplars, including workforce, community health, quality outcomes, safety initiatives and patient satisfaction. “Achieving this success is a testament to the organization’s commitment to outstanding patient care,” said MRMC Chief Nursing Offi cer Deborah Lumpkins, DNP, RN, NEA-BC. “During this time of heightened public health concern

caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the public can rest assured that they are in excellent hands with the nursing and care teams at Maury Regional Medical Center.”Research demonstrates that Magnet® recognition provides specifi c benefi ts to health care organizations and their communities, including:

Higher patient satisfaction with nurse communication, availability of help and receipt of discharge information

Lower risk of 30-day mortality and lower failure to rescue rates

Higher job satisfaction among nurses Improved nursing recruitment and retention

To achieve Magnet® recognition, MRMC passed a rigorous and lengthy process that demanded widespread participation from leadership and staff . Th is process included an electronic application, written patient care documentation, an on-site visit and a review by the Commission on Magnet® Recognition.

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Maury Regional Medical Center (MRMC) has achieved Magnet® designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) as a refl ection of the organization’s nursing professionalism, teamwork and superiority in patient care.

4 | HEALTH MATTERS

As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, we continue to learn more about the virus, how it is spread and what we must do to stop it. Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, new or increased cough and unusual shortness of breath.

While the virus can have serious implications to patients of all ages, those at greatest risk are individuals age 60 and older and those who are immune compromised or have chronic conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and lung conditions.

Whether you are in a high-risk group or not, everyone plays a role in slowing this pandemic. Th e best advice for the public to prevent the spread of any virus, including COVID-19, is to:

Social distance by staying at least six feet awayfrom others and limiting trips to public places.

Wash your hands frequently with soap andwater for at least 20 seconds — especially aft ergoing to the bathroom, before eating and aft erblowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.

If you are sick, stay home and/or seek medicalattention from your health care provider. Pleasecall before you arrive, if possible.

Avoid touching your eyes and face. Avoid close contact with those who are sick. Disinfect objects such as door handles and

other frequently touched surfaces. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and

discard the tissue immediately.

If you have questions about COVID-19, including symptoms and self-monitoring recommendations, call the Tennessee Coronavirus Public Information Line at 1.877.857.2945.

COVID-19: How can I protect myself and

my family?

4 | HEALTH MATTERS

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At a time when social distancing and staying at home is encouraged, many individuals may actually be neglecting their health out of an abundance of caution. For some, this may compound health issues and create more problems for them in the future.

“While we are grateful that the public has been heeding the advice to stay at home, which has helped to slow the spread of COVID-19, we are also fi nding that individuals with health issues that require treatment are not seeking care,” said Maury Regional Health Chief Medical Offi cer Martin Chaney, M.D. “It’s important that you consider the severity of your condition, seek medical advice from a professional and thoroughly evaluate your treatment options.”

According to Chaney, if your injury or illness is severe enough that you would typically visit an urgent care or emergency department, you should still do so. Maury Regional Urgent Care and the Emergency Departments at Maury Regional Medical Center, Marshall Medical Center and Wayne Medical Center have instituted measures that include separating patients with respiratory symptoms from those with other injuries or illnesses, rigorous disinfecting protocols and masking staff and symptomatic patients.

Chaney also recommends that patients with chronic conditions — including but not limited to diabetes, high blood pressure and congestive heart failure —

Finding the balance between social Finding the balance between social distancing and staying healthydistancing and staying healthy

continue to seek treatment from their physician or nurse practitioner to ensure their condition is properly managed.

Chaney added that Maury Regional Medical Group physician practices are using the same protocols as the urgent care centers in separating patients with respiratory symptoms, masking and disinfecting. Th ey are also off ering phone and telemedicine visit options. Th ose interested in video visits simply need a smart phone, tablet or PC with a camera to schedule a one-on-one visit with a provider. In addition to serving existing patients, MRMG is also conducting these visits by video for new patients when possible. To schedule an appointment with a provider, visit MauryRegionalMedicalGroup.com (or see page 6) to fi nd your preferred practice’s phone number.

Whether you are visiting an urgent care or physician practice, you are encouraged to call before arriving. During this call, you will be asked to share your symptoms, whether you have been previously tested for COVID-19 or been in contact with someone who has been tested and get further instructions on next steps for your visit. Th ose needing emergency care are also encouraged to call in advance, if feasible, and/or share any symptoms you are experiencing with the 911 operator and emergency responders.

For more information, call your physician or visit MauryRegional.com.

Maury Regional Medical Group (MRMG) began off ering live-video and phone visits at several practice locations on March 27. “Off ering telemedicine visits provides our patients with a safe, convenient option for visits with their provider while practicing social distancing,” said MRMG CEO Mike Fecher. “Many of our patients need chronic disease management and other

6 | HEALTH MATTERS

Lewis CountyLewis Health Center l Hohenwald

931.796.4901

Maury Regional Maury Regional Medical Medical

Group offers Group offers telemedicine visitstelemedicine visits

important services. Providing telemedicine options enables us to continue to provide health care to those who depend upon us.”To schedule a telemedicine visit, patients should call the practice to coordinate the type of visit and schedule the date and time. For more information, visit MauryRegionalMedicalGroup.com.

Schedule TodayCall one of the practices below to schedule your video, phone or in-person visit:

PrimeCare Clinic Suite 301 l Columbia 931.540.4140

PrimeCare Clinic, Suite 403 l Columbia931.380.0075

MRMG Primary Care & Rheumatology l Columbia931.388.9706

MRMG Primary Care l Mount Pleasant931.379.5821

MRMG Primary Care l Spring Hill 931.486.2500

MRMG Neurology l Columbia 931.490.7348

MRMG OB-GYN l Columbia & Spring Hill931.490.1295

MRMG Oncology (medical) l Columbia 931.381.3872

Maury County

MRMG Pain Management l Columbia 931.490.7372

MRMG Plastic Surgery l Columbia & Spring Hill931.381.2802

MRMG Pulmonary & Critical Care l Columbia 931.490.7775

MRMG Surgery l Columbia 931.381.9338

MRMG Urology l Columbia 931.840.8547

Marshall CountyLewisburg Family Practice l Lewisburg

931.359.0019Lewisburg Pediatrics l Lewisburg

931.270.3655

Wayne CountyPrimary Care-Waynesboro & Collinwood

931.722.9999

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Maury Regional Health off ers a secure online portal for your personal health information. Patients have access to information related to visits at Maury Regional Health facilities and providers. Benefi ts of the portal include:

Access to health records Messaging with Maury Regional Health-

affi lated providers Appointment scheduling “Find A Doctor” tool

Enrolling is easy! If you have had a patient visit to a Maury Regional Health facility since November 2018, your name, social security number, date of birth and email should be on fi le in the current medical system. If you need assistance with enrollment, please call 931.380.4089. Access the portal at MauryRegional.com under “Online Tools.”

Widespread public health issues like COVID-19 induce a lot of stress and anxiety. With constantly-changing information, quarantines and, of course, the fear of you or your loved ones getting sick, stress and anxiety seem to be part of the “new norm” right now.Let’s face it — we’re dealing with a very stressful situation. But fi nding ways to cope will help make you stronger and keep you healthier overall. Chronic stress and anxiety can negatively impact your heart health, ability to sleep, immune system, happiness and productivity.Here are some tips to help manage stress and anxiety during this diffi cult time:

Arm yourself with facts. Th ere’s tons of information out there about COVID-19, but not all of it is accurate. Get the facts from reputable sources, such as the CDC, and avoid misleading stories that only add to your anxiety.

Avoid news overload. It’s important to stay informed, but it’s also a good idea to tune out once in a while. Take breaks from TV, social media or other forms of pandemic news.

Connect with others. You may be feeling isolated right now, but that doesn’t mean you have to feel disconnected. Call or FaceTime family and friends. Write letters the old-fashioned way. Talk with people you trust about your concerns.

Focus on what you can do. Instead of worrying about what is out of your control, focus on what you can do to keep you and your family safer. Stay home unless seeking medical care or purchasing essentials. Wash your hands. Keep your body healthy by eating well, exercising and sleeping enough.

Take a walk. Any type of exercise helps relieve stress. You may not be able to go to the gym right now, but you can take a walk or do a home workout to clear your head.

Organize. Sometimes all it takes to help you relax is to feel like you have things under control. So spend a few minutes organizing closets, your desk or just about anything.

Find activities you enjoy. Now is the time to turn to activities you’ve wanted to do but don’t usually have time for. Read, paint, do a jigsaw puzzle or sort through old photos.

Have you enrolled in our patient portal?

Coronavirus: How to manage anxiety

Breathe. Take some time to focus on your breathing. Take slow deep breaths to help you relax. Slowly count to 10 and back. Meditate.

Practice progressive relaxation. Tense and then relax one part of your body at a time. Start with your feet and legs and then work your way up your body.

If these tips don’t work to calm your anxiety, it may be time to talk to a mental health professional. Many are off ering virtual sessions at this time.

Copyright 2020 © Baldwin Publishing, Inc.

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